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emotional disturbance

a fear-, anxiety-, or other emotionally based condition that results in maladaptive behavior—ranging from withdrawal and isolation to acting out and aggression—and adversely affects an individual’s academic and social functioning. Children with a longstanding condition that meets specified criteria, such as the inability to form satisfactory relationships with peers and teachers, are considered to have a serious emotional disturbance (SED) that constitutes a disability under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

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